Liverpool ticket applications open

Executive members and season ticket holders can now apply for tickets to see United play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 25, kick off 14:00.

United have got 3,008 tickets in the Anfield Road End (pictured right), costing £38 for adults, £28.50 for seniors and £19 for juniors.

They can apply until 08:00 on Friday, by calling 0161 868 800 or clicking here.

Those who apply can find out if they have got tickets on October 9, though it's worth checking two days earlier.

A travel and pub guide will be published here in the coming weeks.

Apply for Liverpool tickets from Monday

From 08:00 on Monday, executive members and season ticket holders can apply for tickets to see United play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 25, kick off 14:00.

United have got 3,008 tickets in the Anfield Road End, costing £38 for adults, £28.50 for seniors and £19 for juniors.

They can apply until 08:00 on Friday, by calling 0161 868 800 or clicking here.

Those who apply can find out if they have got tickets on October 9, though it's worth checking two days earlier.

A travel and pub guide will be published here in the coming weeks.

United in cup 'away game' shocker!

The reds have been drawn away to Championship side Barnsley in the Carling Cup Fourth Round.

The match will take place at Oakwell, which has a capacity of 23,009, on the week beginning October 26.

A full ticket, travel and pub guide will be published here in the coming days.

Here is the full draw
Arsenal v Liverpool
Barnsley v Manchester United
Blackburn Rovers v Peterborough United
Chelsea v Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City v Scunthorpe United
Portsmouth v Stoke City
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Behind enemy lines - Stoke City

United will tomorrow take to the field at the Britannia Stadium against a canny Stoke side who defied the critics in May to secure a second season in the big time.

They've had a mixed start in season 2009/10, with a 4-0 drubbing at Anfield and a narrow 2-1 defeat against Chelsea among the highlights.

So how do Stoke fans feel ahead of tomorrow's clash in the Potteries?
Dave Knapper (pictured below), a lifelong City fan, a Stoke Sentinel journalist and a writter for the Why Delilah fansite, gives us an insight into Saturday's opponents.

As many football fans across the country are, Stoke City followers have been hugely long-suffering.

Many have seen the club go from one of the biggest in the land during the 1970s to plodding along in Division Two (old money) aimlessly travelling to grounds we never thought we would.

However all those years of heartache were wiped away in 2007 when Stoke managed to get back in to the Premier League after 23 years outside the top flight.

What was a real bug bare for fans was this was as a club that had such players as Stanley Matthews, Gordon Banks, Alan Hudson, Peter Shilton, over the years…and now there is a real sense the good times aren’t too far away.

Last year the club was written off and when the players put up something of a scrap, the “experts” rounded on Stoke for the style of play and focused on the long throws.

Interesting to note, the two goals we popped past Hull to secure our Premier League status both came from open play. So there.

The manager has made some good signings over the summer with your steady heads like Dean Whitehead and Danny Collins, coupled with the more high profile Tuncay and Robert Huth.

Couple that lot with the existing side – which achieved a 12th place finish last year – and the mix is coming together.


Tevez grabs the winner at United's last trip to Stoke last December.


Noone is expecting miracles in the Potteries, and being honest, most fans will be delighted to finish anywhere near 12th again.

The Premier League is a tough, tough, division and we are more than aware the team must establish itself before ever really pushing on to the higher reaches.

But the grounding is there, we have a solid backline, an improving midfield and a decent forward line – made all the more exciting with the arrival of Tuncay.

On to Saturday’s game and after the rather closely ran affair of the encounter of Boxing Day, we aren’t expecting a battering. But we all know the threat United pose. As far as our side goes, we do have players who can cause you issues.

I’m sure the name Tuncay is familiar to United supporters after his hat-trick against the Reds in the Champions League a few years back.

If Ricardo Fuller shakes off his injury he is a handful for anyone and Dave Kitson has finally found his goal-scoring touch.

In midfield, I’m sure you know of Rory’s throws, but his all round game is impressive and he continues to do the mopping up work.

Glenn Whelan is really adjusting to life in the Premier League so watch out if we get a free-kick and Whelan steps up.


Original Video- More videos at TinyPic
Stoke's last outing - an entertaining 4-3 Carling Cup win over Blackpool.


Out on the flanks Matthew Etherington and Liam Lawrence both have the work rate and can pose a problem.

At the back and that’s where we are very strong.

Our captain Abdoulaye Faye is a machine and is hero worshipped here in the Potteries.

He is partnered by your former defender Ryan Shawcross who looks every bit capable of achieving international honours one day. Please don’t take him back.

Tony Pulis may go for five at the back and if he does then expect to see Robert Huth with Danny Collins out on the left and Andy Wilkinson on the right. But who knows what we will go for!

In the sticks is Thomas Sorensen, the Great Dane. He’s been solid for us and something of a fan favourite.

As for the season as a whole, then I think many would be delighted with a flirtation with the cups and a finish a few places from the relegation spots.

United, well, you always do…alright, don’t you?


Stoke's last Premier League outing - a 1-1 draw at Bolton.

After losing Ronaldo it was always going to be a tough year and it was interesting to see Fergie not cause any big waves in the transfer market.

If you’re not in the top two in January I wouldn’t be surprised to see the cheque book open.

Chelsea have started strong, as have Liverpool. Hmm, tough to call. I’m staying on the fence and say…you’ll definitely be in the top two.

At the Britannia Stadium you will experience a big, big atmosphere.

I’m sure United fans have seen plenty of those in the past, but there is something very raw about the one at the Brit.

The fans are fiercely proud of the club and the city and are still embroiled in the Premier League party.

We haven’t simply become part of the ‘sit down and clap’ brigade and there isn’t a prawn sandwich in site.

Cup holders see off Wolves

United have made it through to the fourth round of the Carling Cup after a 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanders - the goal coming from Danny Wellbeck in the second half.

It means the reds can be drawn against one of 15 teams in the next round, which will be played on the week beginning October 26.

The draw will take place live on Sky Sports News at about 12:15 on Saturday.

United can draw: The draw will be on saturday at about 12.15pm.

United can play:

Arsenal
Aston Villa
Barnsley
Blackburn
Bolton
Chelsea
Everton
Liverpool
Manchester City
Peterborough
Portsmouth
Scunthorpe
Stoke
Sunderland
Tottenham

CSKA Moscow watch

Ahead of United's October 21 trip to Moscow, we'll be keeping a close eye on opponents CSKA to see how they're getting on.
While the reds were playing City, CSKA were playing their own city derby against Dinamo Moscow
After a lifeless first half, home side CSKA sparked into life and wrapped up a 3-0 win.



The match was played at the Luzkniki Stadium - the scene of United's 2008 Champions League final win against Chelsea.
As you may notice, it looks a bit empty during Sunday's game, but will be a 60,000 sell out (segregation allowing) when United play there.
CSKA's win leaves them in third place in the Russian Premier League on 39 points from 22 games. Two months remain in the season.

If you're planning on going to the match, please check our travel guide. It will get a (long-awaited) updated in the coming days.

Stoke travel and pub guide

Stoke
Britannia Stadium
Saturday, September 26, kick off 15:00

Tickets

Stoke’s stadium holds 28,383, United have got 2,861 tickets in the South Stand (pictured right) priced at £35 adults, £24 for over 65s, £20 for under 17s and £17 for under 11s.

Those are the same prices as last season, when United got an allocation of 2,800.

All tickets have been sold and you can find out if you have one by checking your online booking history or by calling 0161 868 8000. You can get an away end ticket for £90 here from the United Ticket Agency.

Home end tickets are still on sale, but you can only get one if you also buy tickets for two other Stoke home games – against Wigan on December 12 and Fulham three days later. Call the box office on 0871 663 2008 for details.

TV
The match will not be shown live on TV in the UK, but will be shown live on the internet. We will provide you with a list of links for live video streams on Saturday at 13:00

Weather
According to holiday-weather.com, we're looking at similar weather to the Manchester derby – clear skies and sunshine. Probably about 17C /63F during the game.

Travel

Advice on getting to the Britannia Stadium can be found here where a downloadable map and leaflet is available.

Car – £17.00
If you’re using a sat nav or a routeplanner, use the postcode ST4 4EG.

The journey takes 55 minutes, which is 48 miles and should cost about £8.50 in petrol in each direction.

The standard route is south on the M6, exit at junction 16, then take the A500 and the A50.

Parking at the stadium is pretty difficult as, in a similar way to Bolton’s Reebok Stadium it’s in the middle of nowhere, only there are few surrounding streets in which to park.

All fans are asked to note that cars parked illegally on grass verges surrounding the football stadium will be towed away with owners having to pay around £150 to get their vehicle back.

So you can either:

1. Park in the city centre and do the 15-minute walk to and from the stadium

2. Buy a parking pass for £4 from Stoke for the South and Trent Car Parks in advance on 0871 663 2007.

You can’t pay for parking on the day. Access these car parks via the A50 or Trentham Road.

3. Park on the large open car park next to the stadium. It's £5 and you can pay on the day. It's a two-minute walk from the ground.

To get there, follow the signs for the stadium. Pass the ground and turn off the A50 onto Gordon Banks Drive and follow the road right down to the bottom. The large car park is on your right.

4. Park on the Power League complex in between the stadium and the academy tent.

There are only a few hundred places, priced at £4, so arrive early. It’s a pay and display car park.

5. Park at Heron Cross School and Bowling Club. There a few hundred spaces priced at £1.50.

It is on the other side of the A50 to the stadium, next to the footbridge.

To get to it, pass the stadium on your right and come off at the slip road signposted Heron Cross. Turn left and you will come to some traffic lights.

At those lights, turn left (following signs for Stoke) and half a mile down the road you can turn right into this car park.

Train - £8

Outbound
Manchester Piccadilly to Stoke
From 07:07, trains leave at 07, 15, 27, 35 and 48 past the hour.

The journey takes 37 minutes in the vast majority of cases.

The last one you can catch to make kick off leaves at 13:35.

Stoke to the ground

There are three options
1. Walk two minutes to the Ember Lounge - Staffordshire University Students' Union - and get the designated United bus to the ground. This costs £2 one way or £3 return and takes 15 minutes.

To get to the SU, come out of the station, turn left onto Station Road and take the next right onto College Road.
2. From outside the station, get on the home fans match day bus (though you won't be allowed on if you're wearing colours or if it's obvious you're a red).

The buses leave at 14:07 and 14:27. They also call at St Peter's Church, in Church Street, just round the corner, but nearer pubs. They leave at 14:10 and 14:30 and take 15 minutes. Details here.

3. Walk to the stadium. This takes about an hour.

Walk via Leek Road, City Road, Christchurch Street, Station Bridge Road, Heron Street and the A50 footway.

Homebound
Stoke are laying on buses specifically for United fans outside the away end taking them back to the train station.

These cost £2 one way or £3 return. It takes about 15 minutes.

Or you can come out of the away fans' area, turn left and walk five minutes round the ground to the home fans' bus area.

Again, it costs £2 one way or £3 return.

Noone with colours or who is obviously a red will be allowed on. Expect to queue for about 15 minutes. The journey time is 15 minutes or so.

Stoke to Manchester Piccadilly
From, 18:18 until 21:18, trains leave at 18, 25, 48, 55 and 58 past the hour. The journey takes roughly 45 minutes.

You can either pay £13 on the day for an off-peak return, or you can buy your tickets in advance here and, providing you book for particular services in advance, you can get a return for just £8.

Coaches

United official coach
As of noon on Monday, United had only one place left on their coach, costing £19. Call 0161 868 8000 to see if an extra coach is to be laid on.

Others
The Betty Bus leaves Manchester Chorlton Street at 10am and places cost £15 per person. To book, email your name, address and phone number to redsaway@hotmail.co.uk

Red Army Travel is running a coach with places costing £18 per person. It leaves from the Spread Eagle Pub in Royal Green Road, Northenden. To book or for more details, go here.

National Express is running five coaches from Manchester Chorlton Street to Charles Street in Stoke on the day of the game and four coaches back. The journey takes about 90 minutes each way.

Outbound coaches leave at 07:15, 08:00, 09:45, 10:10 and 12:50.
Homebound coaches leave at 17:30, 18:45, 20:35 and 23:30, A return costs £7.30.

For details of how to get to and from the ground from the coach station, which is right in the town centre, see the trains section.

Megabus does not serve Stoke.

Pubs

Any reds arriving by train at Stoke station will be 'encouraged' by Staffordshire Police officers to go to the Ember Lounge - Staffordshire University Students' Union – which is virtually opposite the station.

The SU will be serving alcohol and showing the Portsmouth v Everton 12:45 kick off and there will be buses taking United fans to the game from outside (see the trains section).

The Ember Lounge is pretty big and has two bars, so the queues shouldn't be that long. It's a decent place to get a no-hassle pre-match pint.

If you prefer a walk into town, be careful. It's dodgy enough for away fans on a normal match day in the city centre – let alone when United are in town.

If you wear colours in the town centre, you may attract trouble.

And you certainly won't be allowed into any bar at all and the vast majority of town-centre boozers have bouncers on matchday. Avoid The Whitestar and the Famous Lion in particular, as they are staunch home-fan pubs.

But if you're a bit more subtle, you might want to try a couple of these suggestions.

The only Wetherspoons pub in town is called The Wheatsheaf (pictured right), at 84 Church Street – the main high street in town.

Now in its 10th year, it's a typical Wetherspoons joint, on one level, with decent, cheap food and a good-value pint. Plus, it's right by the bus stop (outside the church) where you can catch the stadium bus.

If you walk up from Wetherspoons on Church Street and onto Hartshill Road, you'll see the Famous Lion on the other side of the road. Walk past that and, a couple of doors down, you'll find another modern-looking pub which is both spacious and relaxing.

There are sofas as well as tables and they do cracking meat and cheese and onion pies for £1 on matchdays.

A the ground itself, a cracking place to enjoy a pre-match pint is The Harvester, which is two-minute walk from the away end, in Tony Waddington Place.

Spurs travel guide

Tottenham
White Hart Lane, London
Premier League
Saturday September 12, kick off 17.30pm

Tickets
Out of a stadium capacity of 36,244, Spurs have given United 1,948 tickets in the lower tier of the south stand (see the diagram below).

They cost £42.10 adults, £24.50 for over 65s and £22.60 for under 16s.

All tickets have been allocated. If you applied, find out if you have been successful here.

A few dozen tickets have been returned to United's ticket office, so it's worth calling them as the week goes on to see if any more have been handed back.

Tottenham end tickets are currently on general sale via the club's website. You have to register first, though.

Weather
According to the BBC, it will be cloudy with sunny intervals and, for the match, just short of 20C/68F - not bad for mid-September.

TV
This game will be shown live on ESPN and ESPNHD. The show starts at 17:00 and ends at 20:00. Live video streams will be posted here.

Travel

We recommend....
Fly! You can fly to Heathrow cheaper than the train. Though, admittedly, you still have to pay for the rest of the journey by train.

Car - £55

If you're using a Sat nav or a routeplanner, use the postcode N17 0AP.

The journey will cost roughly £55 if you don't go on the M6 Toll and a further £4 each way if you do. It should take three hours and 30 minutes each way.

The best route is via the M6, the M42, the M1, the M25, the A10 and the A406.

Unlike neighbouring Arsenal, there is free street parking available to the east of the stadium.

As always, the earlier you arrive, the better. You'll find several schools and offices offering matchday parking for £5 to £10.

Train - £68.70
Getting there is slightly tricky because engineering works on the London Underground mean some faffing about is necessary.

Getting back is hard because there are only a few late trains to Manchester

Getting there
Step 1: Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston (pictured right).

(At Piccadilly, by an off-peak return to White Hart Lane for £68.70.)

From 06:35, trains leave exactly every 20 minutes and take 129 minutes. The last one you can get to make the match on time leaves at 13:55.

Step 2: London Euston to Euston Square

Usually, you would transfer from train to Tube at Euston and it would take you 11 minutes to reach Seven Sisters on the Victoria Line. But due to engineering works, there is no service on Saturday. Details here.

Instead, walk five minutes to Euston Square Tube station (it's well sign posted).

Step 3: Euston Square to Liverpool Street

Take the Tube on the Hammersmith and City Line line. It runs every five minutes and takes ten minutes.

Step 4: Liverpool Street to White Hart Lane

At Liverpool Street, go upstairs to the mainland station and catch the train to Enfield.

These trains run exactly every 15 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes 21 minutes and White Hart Lane is the 10th stop.

Getting home
Step 1: White Hart Lane to Liverpool Street

Trains run every 10 minutes or less. The train you catch will terminate at Liverpool Street.

Steps 2 and 3 are reversed.

Step 4: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly

Leave London Euston: 19:40 20:20 21:00
Arrive Manchester Piccadilly: 21:56 22:51 23:39

Coaches - £30

Club
Places are available for £35 per person. The coaches leave at 11am from the N2 car park at Old Trafford and are expected to arrive back at midnight.

Other coaches

Betty bus
Places are available for £35 per person. The coach leaves at 10:00 from Chorlton Street Coach Station and at 10:15 from the Bishops Blaize. Email your name, address and telephone number to redsaway@hotmail.co.uk to book your place

Red Army Travel
Places are available at £30 per person. The coach leaves from the Spread Eagle Pub in Royal Green Road, Northenden. Go here for details.


Public coach - £24.50

You can get to this game with Megabus

Getting there:
Step 1: Chorlton Street Coach Station to Victoria Coach Station

Coaches leave at 06:30, 08:45 and 10:30 and take four-and-a-half hours. )You can buy a return ticket for £16.)

Step 2: Victoria Tube to Liverpool Street

Usually, you would transfer from train to Tube at Victoria and it would take you 20 minutes to reach Seven Sisters on the Victoria Line. But due to engineering works, there is no service on Saturday. Details here.

Instead, get the Tube to Liverpool Street.

(You will be a Zone 1-3 travel card , costing £8.)

- First, catch the District Line east and get off at Monument.
- Then take the Northern Line north to Moorgate.
- Then take the Hammersmith and City line east to Liverpool Street.

Step 3: Liverpool Street to White Hart Lane (pictured left)

At Liverpool Street, go upstairs to the mainland station and catch the train to Enfield.

These trains run exactly every 15 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes 21 minutes and White Hart Lane is the 10th stop.

Getting home
Step 1: White Hart Lane to Liverpool Street

Trains run every 10 minutes or less. The train you catch will terminate at Liverpool Street.

Steps 2 is reversed.

Step 3: Victoria Coach Station to Chorlton Street Coach Station

The one coach you can get leaves at 23:30 and arrives at 03:30.

You can also reach this game via National Express

Getting there
Step 1: Chorlton Street Coach Station to Victoria Coach Station

Coaches leave at 06:25, 08:00, 09:15, 10:00 and 11:45 and take five hours. You can buy a return ticket for £18.

Step 2: Victoria Tube to Liverpool Street (pictured left).

Usually, you would transfer from train to Tube at Victoria and it would take you 20 minutes to reach Seven Sisters on the Victoria Line. But due to engineering works, there is no service on Saturday. Details here.

Instead, get the Tube to Liverpool Street.

(You will be a Zone 1-3 travel card , costing £8.)

- First, catch the District Line east and get off at Monument.
- Then take the Northern Line north to Moorgate.
- Then take the Hammersmith and City line east to Liverpool Street.

Step 3: Liverpool Street to White Hart Lane

At Liverpool Street, go upstairs to the mainland station and catch the train to Enfield.

These trains run exactly every 15 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes 21 minutes and White Hart Lane is the 10th stop.

Getting home
Step 1: White Hart Lane to Liverpool Street

Trains run every 10 minutes or less. The train you catch will terminate at Liverpool Street.

Steps 2 is reversed.

Step 3: Victoria Coach Station to Chorlton Street Coach Station

The one coach you can get leaves at 23:30 and arrives at 05:40.

Flights - £68.10
bmi and British Airways run flights between Manchester and Heathrow and Gatwick. The cheapest route for this match comes in at £68.10. See skyscanner.net for details.

One last chance to grab Besiktas tickets

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United members have until 20:00 tomorrow to apply for tickets for United's September 15 match at Besiktas.

United have got 1,400 tickets priced at £35.03, though all tickets will be posted by special delivery at a cost of £4.95 per ticket.

There are also a few VIP tickets priced at £105.10.

You can apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000.

However, only members of the new Manchester United European Travel Club who registered before 20:00 on September 2 can apply.

Ballot results will be published on September 9.

Supporters who get tickets must fill out only travel reports and send them to United before travelling to Turkey.

For information on flights, the stadium, hotels and the city, check out our guide here.

Stoke ballot results out now

Those who applied for tickets to see United play Stoke can now find out if they have them.

United have got 2,861 tickets - 61 more than last year.

They will cost £35 adults, £24 for over 65s, £20 for under 17s - the same as last season.

A full travel and pub guide will be published here early next week.

Istanbul - a local's guide

When United came out of the hat alongside Besiktas in the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, lifelong red Andy Olfield was perhaps happiest of all.

For the ex-pat red is now living in Istanbul and the pairing has given him an ideal to chance to see his boyhood club play in his new backyard.

In this guide, Andy gives fellow reds an insight into the best and worst of Istanbul ahead of the September 15 clash.

Bars

Istanbul is a haven for bar dwellers.

Without a doubt, the most concentrated area of bars is in Taksim, the real city centre.

Just a short walk down the main Taksim shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi (pictured right), you'll find untold numbers of bars in the adjoining little side streets.

Bars in these side streets can be extremely cheap - I'm talking about some places that sell Efes (main beer of Turkey) for 2TL!

Beware of the few bars that are actually located in Istiklal Caddesi (pictured right), as these can be pretty pricey.

One place in particular, the Turkish Pub, located on the left side of Istiklal before the Galatasary High School, offers nice views of the street, but drink prices are aimed at tourists (10TL for a large beer).

If you're a spirit drinker, you will be shocked at the prices of imported brand names in Turkey (Smirnoff, Jack Daniels) as they are more than what you're used to paying back in mainland Europe.


You can visit Istanbul's only Irish pub, the James Joice Irish Pub Center (www.theirishcentre.com), which offer food, drink and has an adjoining hotel.

They show live football from the Premier League as well as Champions League games. Expect a mix of Turks and expats here.















If you're staying in the Sultanahmet area of the city, there are ample bars loacted here, although not as concentrated as in Taksim.

If you're feeling away from home, you can visit The North Shield, an olde-English themed pub.

They offer great food and drinks, although prices tend to be steep.

There is also The English Pub (pictured right), in the Presidents Hotel. Details here.

Sultanahmet can be a nice break from the manic area that is Takim and offers some great views of the old city.

Smokers be aware: Turkey haa introduced a public smoking ban.

This being Turkey though, many of the smaller, 'family' run type places simply ignore the ban.

If caught smoking, there is a... wait for it... whopping 62TL (£25) fine. Not that I've ever seen it enforced though.

Nightlife

While nightlife in Istanbul is nowhere near likes of London, there are clubs dotted around the city for everyone's taste.

Check out Indigo, in İstiklal Cadessi, which offers a selection of nights from Turkish entertainers to banging techno/house DJ's at the weekend.

There is also Reina, (pictured left) located in the quaint village of Ortaköy just outside Taksim. Details here.

Reina offers amazing outside views of the Bosphorus Sea along with the Asian side of Istanbul.

Food and drinks here are expensive as reservations are a must.

The elite who's-who of Istanbul frequent this place so expect gorgeous women, pretentious men and dress your absolute best.

A great listing of nigtclubs in Istanbul can be found here www.letsgoistanbul.com/clubs.htm

Restaurants

Without a doubt, the best food you'll ever eat will be in Istanbul.

Turkey has some of the best food to offer, ranging form cold and hot meze (small starter-like dishes) to main courses and even deserts.

There are some amazing restaurants here in Turkey, and at a fraction of the cost compared to many mainland European cities.

Check out rooftop 360 Restaurant (pictured right) in Taksim which offer amazing food, great service and a total 360o view of the city.

Reseverations are a must, dress code is smart. Expect a meal for two with desert (excluding alcohol) to set you back about 75TL (£30). Details here.

There are also plenty of other roof-top restaurants in the city (Leb-i-Derya for example), which offer similar views, food and service.

If you're looking for something a little less formal and fancy, there are hundreds of restaurants in the city. Istiklal Caddesi is lined with restaurants, both Turkish and fast food joints (KFC, McDonalds and the likes).

There are plenty of quaint little Turkish-style cafes hidden away in many side streets in Istanbul, if you really fancy the total Turkish aspect - though don't expect them to speak much English in these places.

If you're craving the authentic Turkish kebab, you'll find plenty of stalls/small shops in Istanbul offering them.
In Taksim are loads of small food joints next to each other, all offering similar type foods.

Don't expect the usual UK style kebab though (doner meat in pitta).

In particular, ask for an adana kebab and wash it down with ayran, which is a typical Turkish drink consisting of water, yoghurt and a little salt - sounds strange but tastes excellent.

Also check out the famous Istanbul 'islak hamburger' (wet hamburger) (www.kizilkayalar.com.tr/english/) consisting of a burger encased in a bun, covered in a ketchip type sauce and loaded with spices and garlic.

If you want something a bit more upmarket, check out the district of Nişantaşı. This is the fashion district of Istanbul where the rich and famous live.

There are pleny of trendy restaurants and cafes located here but expect higher than normal prices here.


Cultural sights

There's so much to do and see in Istanbul a weekend is definitely not enough.

Some things to make sure to tick-off your to do list include a boat trip along the Bosphorus Sea from Eminönü harbour (short taxi ride from Taksim) for around 17TL return, offering excellent views of the city. W

hile in Eminönü, visit the Spice Bazaar if that's your sort of thing.

Check out the breathtaking Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) in Sultanahmet, as well as the Mavi Cami (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace and Archeology Museum.

Be sure to check out the Grand Bazaar as well while you're here .

It is One giant undercover market, consisting of 58 streets and between 1200-5000 individual shops (depending on what you read) and some 400,000 visitors... daily!

Find absolutely anything here from jewellery, souvenirs, white goods, shoes, clothes (normal as well as fake).


Shop keepers will give you the highest price to begin with but ALWAYS barter with them and start very low compared to what they start with.

If you reach the price you feel is true and they say no, just walk away - chances are, they'll either give in to your price, or you'll find at the next stall. Watch your pockets here. More info here.

If you want to get out of the busy city, you could visist the Princes Islands.

The Princes Islands (pictured right) are a combination of nine islands off the Asian coast of Istanbul, in the sea of Marmara.

Regular or fast passenger ferries operate to the four of these islands from different parts of the city; from Bostanci, Kadikoy and Kartal neighborhoods on the Asian side, from Sirkeci and Kabatas neighborhoods on the European side.

If you like taking in the scenery, take the slow boat from Kabatas for 4TL but it does take up to 2 hours one-way and can be very crowded during the summer. Be sure to visist Buyuk Ada (Big Island) if you come here.

A gorgeous area of Istanbul that is fairly unknown from the tourists are the ares of Bebek and Sariyer/Kilyos on the European side of the city.

Bebek offers awesome views of the Bosphorus and if you like fish, there are many many fish restaurants located here without outside views and great menus and prices.

Sariyer, a bit further away offers the best hill-top views of the city.

If you have the means of getting here, having a traditional Turkish breakfast on a late Sunday morning is a definite yes.

Kilyos (pictured right) is located close here as well, and you can visist the beach.

Note though, that it actually costs to visit the beach (around 40TL). There are bars and restaurants located here and it's pretty private and not too crowded.

If you like shopping, there are many shopping malls in Istanbul, including the largest one in Europe, Cevahir.

To get there, take the Metro from Taksim and get off at the Şişli-Mecidiyeköy stop and follow the crow/directions).

Find many well-known brand name shops as well as Turkish ones. Prices are cheaper than the UK, though electrical goods are considerably more expensive.

You could also check out Bağdat Caddesi (literally Baghdad Street) on the Asian side of the city.


General info

Istanbul is a very busy city.

There are some 16 million inhabitats of the city and it's districts.

As a result, there is a huge traffic problem here.

That said, Turkish people are very very friendly and hospitable.

Expect warm welcomes wherever you go (except football stadiums of course) and a little Turkish goes a long way with the locals.

While many people do speak English, a lot also do not, especially away from the main touristic areas.

Brushing up on some basic Turkish phrases will help in this case, otherwise you'll be fine if in the city centre.

Despite Istanbul being such a large city, unfortunately, there are not the transportation links available compared to cities like London.

While the Metro is new and comfortable, it is not very expansive yet.

Tickets cost just 1.50TL one-way and you buy your jeton (coupon) from the window counters near the turnstiles.

A short taxi ride can often be quicker and easier than taking the bus/Metro to your destination.

Chances are, the cab driver will not speak English, so be sure you have the correct destination name or map to show.

There are plenty of hotels located throughout all districts of the city, as well a large number of very basic and very cheap hostels for those visiting on a budget.


If you have a visitor to your room, be sure to check with the hotel first and sometimes they can be funny regarding this - I'm unsure why.


As with any city, have your wits about yourself. Watch your pockets in the crowded areas.

There are many cases tourist scams in the city unfortunately.

One particular scam is a person (usually a man) coming up to you outside your hotel and asking for the time.


When you answer, the scammer then gets in a conversation with you and chances are, they, or one of their friends, will know the town/city you live and and have been the same university.

They then proceed to suggest getting a drink/bite to eat somewhere. Little do you know, that they are in cahoots with the bar/restaurant owner and you are lumbered with a very large bill at the end and the mysterious man has disappeared.

Also, be very wary of taxi drivers! Taxi rates fall into two categories; day rate (gunduz) from 06:00 to 00:00 or night rate (gece) 00:00 to 06:00.

Many taxi drivers will switch to the rate 2 (gect/night rate) even during the day because you simply don't pay attention.

If you're a male, get in the front seat so it's less obvious for the driver to scam you.

If you see the night rate on the meter, ask why. If he doesn't change it, threaten to call the police.

They are extremely scared of the police/tourist police so this will work. Also, be very careful when handing money over. Some taxi drivers give back old Turkish curreny (with all the 000's on).

Be vary when in Taksim. The side streets in this area of the city can look very shady and dangerous.. and there's reason for this.

Just don't venture too far on your own, and generally, Taksim is such a busy area, that even at 3am, there'll be lots of people about.

Motherwell tickets still on sale

Tickets are still available for Sunday's match between a Manchester United XI and Motherwell to commemorate the 100th-year anniversary of Sir Matt Busby's birth.

The match kicks off at 15:00 and is taking place at Fir Park.

Sir Matt, who died in 1994 aged 84, was born two miles north of Motherwell.

The game coincides with an international weekend and the vast majority of first-team players will be away representing their countries.

It is likely the champions will field a strong reserve side, similar to that which faced Luton, Norwich and Rochdale in pre season.

Tickets are on sale here. They cost £12 for adults, £6 for juveniles and £20 for a family ticket.

Fans that require wheelchair access should contact Jade at Motherwell FC on 01698 338009 or email jade.gallacher@motherwellfc.co.uk

Apply for Besiktas tickets now

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United members can apply now to get tickets for United's September 15 match at Besiktas.

United have got 1,400 tickets priced at £35.03, though all tickets will be posted by special delivery at a cost of £4.95 per ticket.

There are also a few VIP tickets priced at £105.10.

You can apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000 until 20:00 on September 7.

However, only members of the new Manchester United European Travel Club who registered before 20:00 on September 2 can apply.

Ballot results will be published on September 9.

Supporters who get tickets must fill out only travel reports and send them to United before travelling to Turkey.

For information on flights, the stadium, hotels and the city, check out our guide here.

Champion Sports Tourts reveal Wolfsburg trip details

Champion Sports Tours has published details of two trips to Germany for United's match with Wolfsburg on December 8.

The company is offering a two-night stay with direct flights between Manchester and an airport near Wolfsburg.

Flights leave at about noon on December 7 and return on December 9 at about 15:00.
Guests will stay in a four-star hotel, which includes breakfast.

The cost is £345 per person based on two people sharing a hotel room.

If you want to save £30, Champion is also offering another two-day trip, but with indirect flights.

Guests leave Manchester on December 7 at about 07:00 and arrive at an airport near Wolfsburg at 13:30.

On the way back, you leave Germany at about 15:00 and arrive in Manchester at 18:00.

You would stay at a three-star hotel, which includes breakfast.

You would pay £315 per person based on two sharing.

A Champion Sports Tours release says: "We have limited availability on both trips.

"A deposit of £55 secures your booking.

"Match tickets available for executive members, season ticket holders & One United members and insurance available."

To book or get more details, go here.

One more day to apply for Stoke tickets

Executive members and season ticket holders have until 8am tomorrow to apply for tickets to see United play at Stoke.

They can apply here or by calling 0161 868 8000.

Ballot results will be out by September 11, but will probably be viewable on September 9.

United have got 2,861 tickets - 61 more than last year.

They will cost £35 adults, £24 for over 65s, £20 for under 17s - the same as last season.

A full travel and pub guide will be published here when ballot results come out.

Apply for Besiktas tickets from Friday

Executive members, season ticket holders and One United members can apply from 08:00 on Friday to get tickets for United's September 15 match at Besiktas.

United have got 1,400 tickets priced at £35.03, though all tickets will be posted by special delivery at a cost of £4.95 per ticket.

There are also a few VIP tickets priced at £105.10.

You can apply online or by calling 0161 868 8000 until 20:00 on September 7.

However, only members of the new Manchester United European Travel Club can apply.

The deadline for applications for the club must be made before 20:00 tonight. Find out how to apply here.

Ballot results will be published on September 9.

Supporters who get tickets must fill out only travel reports and send them to United before travelling to Turkey.

European travel club - your questions answered

Amid concerns from some fans, United have replied to our request for information about the club's new European Travel Club (MUETC).

Here is the Q&A:

1. Will supporters who sign up to MUETC be given membership cards?

"Members of the travel club will not receive any type of membership cards."

2. Will supporters turning up to away European matches without proof of membership of MUETC be allowed entry to the stadium if they have a valid ticket?

"If supporters apply for tickets and are successful, supporters will be required to take photographic ID to the match, dependant on the country."

[Without clarification, this seems to imply that, for matches where supporters have to collect their tickets in the country where the game takes place, that system would be enough to deter people without MUETC membership from using tickets.

And in situations where tickets are posted out in the UK, there is nothing to stop people selling them to non MUETC members.

3. Can you expand on the part of the terms and conditions relating to clothing.

"No clothing with any offensive or racist slogans should be worn – anything that may cause upset with the opposing team or residents of the city/country or the players of either team."

4. Will supporters still have to fill out match-by-match travel reports as well as joining MUETC?

"Yes."

5. Are there any plans to introduce a charge for membership?

"There are no plans to introduce a charge."

6. Is there a deadline to join

"For supporters wanting to apply for Besiktas away tickets, the deadline is 8pm tonight, but there is no deadline for joining generally."

Champion Sports Tours announce Istanbul trips

Champion Sports Tours have announced details of two trips to Istanbul for United's game against Besiktas on September 15.

The Sir Matt Busby Way-based company is offering a one-day trip from Liverpool and a three-day trip from Birmingham.

The Liverpool trip, which costs £349 and includes indirect flights in both directions, has already sold out.

However, the company is advising to keep checking its website in case more seats become available.

The Birmingham trip leaves on Monday September 13 direct for Istanbul, returning on Thursday September 16.

The price, including three nights' accommodation based on two people sharing a room is £365 per person. Book here.